Tear duct obstruction in Peke-face Persian cats. INFOGRAPHIC.

In a succinct infographic I explain a classic health problem associated with the Peke-face (flat-faced) Persian: tear duct overflow due to tear duct obstruction which in turn is due to a distorted facial anatomy which in turn is due to the extreme breeding of this breed as a result of decades of mismanagement by the cat fancy in prioritising appearance over health. Or let’s say it more forcefully: focusing on appearance at the expense of serious health problems of which for this breed there are no less than 16 (inherited diseases).

Remarkably at Sept. 2024 the CFA breed standard for this cat includes the words:

Balance and refinement are the essence of the breed, where all parts come together in a harmonious whole, with neither too much nor too little consideration given to any one feature.

“A harmonious whole”? How can the Peke-face Persian be considered harmonious in terms of anatomy when it is so distorted and unnatural? I think the CFA administrators are either in denial or deluded. The only cat that has anatomical harmony is the one created by nature over millions of years of evolution as it is highly tuned to be a top predator.

What the CFA and other cat associations have done is remove nature’s gift in trying to refine the appearance – laugh! The Persian cat has been abused by the cat fancy. Overly-strong words? I think not when you read about the hydrocephalus suffered by some Peke-face Persians resulting in them being described as ‘dummies’. Water on the brain in the result of a brain cage that is wide and far too short [link to an infographic on that severe condition].

Tear Duct Obstruction (Epiphora) by Michael Broad

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I feel that I am the only person on the internet who is addressing these important issues without dressing up the problem and this may upset some people but what about the cats? They are upset if they suffer from water on the brain or can’t breathe properly and more.

Buy Angel Eyes from Amazon – if you click this link, I get a tiny commission 😢.

And I mean TINY. 😃

Some dog breeds that suffer from the same condition, sadly for the same reason

Yes, certain dog breeds also suffer from tear duct obstruction (nasolacrimal duct obstruction), particularly those with brachycephalic (flat-faced) features and breeds prone to eye issues. Similar to peke-face Persian cats, these dogs’ facial structures and anatomical challenges make them susceptible to tear drainage problems.

Dog Breeds Prone to Tear Duct Obstruction:

1. Brachycephalic Breeds:

• Pugs
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Bulldogs (French and English)
• Boston Terriers
  These breeds have flat faces and shallow eye sockets, which cause their tear ducts to be underdeveloped or poorly aligned. This makes it difficult for tears to drain into the nasal cavity, leading to tear overflow (epiphora).

1. Toy Breeds:

• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Toy Poodles
  Toy breeds often have small or narrow tear ducts, making them more prone to obstruction. The small size of their faces combined with genetic predispositions can contribute to tear drainage issues.

1. Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds:
   These breeds are prone to ectropion (outward turning of the eyelids), which can expose the tear ducts to irritation and lead to blockage.

Causes of Tear Duct Obstruction in Dogs:

• Anatomical structure: Brachycephalic breeds have short noses and protruding eyes, which cause misalignment or narrowing of the nasolacrimal ducts.
• Congenital malformations: Some dogs are born with underdeveloped or completely absent tear ducts, leading to lifelong issues with tear drainage.
• Chronic inflammation or infections: Recurrent eye infections, allergies, or conjunctivitis can cause swelling and scarring in the tear ducts, leading to obstruction over time.
• Foreign bodies or trauma: Debris, dirt, or previous injuries to the eyes can block the ducts or damage them, leading to obstruction.

Symptoms of Tear Duct Obstruction in Dogs:

1. Excessive tearing: Tears overflow from the eyes onto the fur, often forming streaks.
2. Tear staining: Red or brownish stains appear under the eyes due to constant tear overflow, particularly in light-colored dogs.
3. Eye irritation: Continuous moisture can cause the skin around the eyes to become inflamed, leading to itching, redness, and possible infection.
4. Crusting: Dried tears may form crusts around the eyes, requiring regular cleaning.

Diagnosis:

Similar to cats, tear duct obstruction in dogs is diagnosed through:

• Fluorescein dye test: The vet places a special dye in the eyes and watches to see if it drains through the tear ducts.
• Nasolacrimal duct flushing: A saline solution is flushed through the tear ducts to assess if there is a blockage.

Treatment Options:

1. Eye cleaning: Owners need to regularly clean the eyes to prevent infections and reduce staining. A soft cloth with warm water or saline solution is often recommended.
2. Topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drops: These are prescribed when the obstruction leads to infections or inflammation.
3. Surgery: In more severe cases, a veterinary ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to open the blocked ducts or create a new pathway for drainage.
4. Tear-stain removal products: These are available for cosmetic reasons, but regular cleaning remains essential for managing the underlying issue.

Long-term Management:

While tear duct obstruction may not be fully curable in some dogs, especially those with congenital or anatomical predispositions, consistent eye care, and monitoring can help manage the condition and prevent complications like infections or chronic irritation.

The above section was provided by ChatGPT, an AI bot. If you can’t beat them, joint them, I say. 😎😱🤣